Dickerson, Monar selected in MLB Draft

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Alex Dickerson and Blake Monar are headed to the big leagues.

Both IU juniors were selected by Major League Baseball clubs Tuesday, the second day of the organization’s 2011 First-Year Player Draft.

Dickerson, whose 47 career home runs ties IU’s all-time record, was selected with the first pick in the third round, No. 91 overall, by the Pittsburgh Pirates. Left-handed pitcher Monar was drafted by the Washington Nationals in the 12th round, No. 367 overall.

Dickerson led the Hoosiers in on-base percentage (.440), batting average (.367), home runs (nine) and RBI (49) in 2011, and he earned First Team All-Big Ten honors after being named a First Team All-American as a sophomore in 2010.

The Poway, Calif. native was projected as one of the top collegiate offensive players to potentially be selected in the draft yet was not one of the opening day’s 60 selections. The Pirates drafted Dickerson as a first baseman after he had played the majority of his collegiate career in the outfield.

Monar went 6-3 in decisions with a 3.52 ERA in 2011 after starting 13 games and pitching a team-high 79 1/3 innings. He led the Hoosiers’ pitching staff with 61 strikeouts.

The draft will continue today until the completion of the 30th round and will conclude Wednesday.

Drew Allen is a senior majoring in journalism. He is the baseball beat reporter. A staff member since 2009, he previously has served as sports editor and has covered men's soccer, women's basketball and volleyball.

Sections: Baseball

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